LIF and TNF alpha concentrations in embryo culture media are predictive for embryo implantation in IVF

There is strong evidence that the cytokines leucemia inhibitory factor (LIF) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) alpha are related to embryo development and implantation. The aim of this study was to determine the levels of LIF and TNF alpha in embryo culture media and to assess its relationship to the outcome of in-vitro fertilization and embryo transfer. A total of 99 patients were included in this prospective trial and underwent either IVF or ICSI procedure. A total of 865 oocytes were collected. Embryos were cultured in sequential media until day 5. A standardized morphology evaluation of all embryos, including a detailed pronuclear scoring, was performed daily during this period followed by the replacement of one or two selected embryos. Collected embryo culture fluids of days 3 and 5 were analysed for LIF and TNF alpha on days 3 and 5. Mean TNF alpha concentration in culture media on day 3 was 0.54 and 0.37 pg/mL on day 5 and was significantly lower in women conceiving than in not conceiving (0.43 pg/mL versus 0.59 pg/mL on day 3). Mean LIF concentration on day 3 was 31.5 pg/mL and 35.5 pg/mL on day 5 and was significantly higher in women conceiving (56.2 pg/mL versus 22.2 pg/mL on day 3). The results indicate that LIF could have a function in early embryogenesis and as a factor required for embryo implantation. High TNF alpha concentrations seem to be predictive of implantation failure.